Clamping Device

ABSTRACT

A clamping device for securely engaging one or more objects through an application of pressure. The clamping device includes a primary member having opposed interior and exterior surfaces. The primary member has a generally cylindrical shape such that the interior surface defines a generally circular space about a center point of the primary member. The clamping device can receive an elongated member through the generally circular space circumscribed by the primary member. The primary member is adapted for clamping and releasing such that the clamping device may releasably engage the elongated member. The elongated member is securely retained by the clamping device through the application of pressure.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/213,258, filed Dec. 7, 2018, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/044,098, filed Jul. 24, 2018, and issued as U.S. Pat. No. 10,266,659 on Mar. 12, 2019, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/860,089, filed Jan. 2, 2018, issued as U.S. Pat. No. 10,512,815 on Dec. 24, 2019, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/943,024, filed Nov. 16, 2015, and issued as U.S. Pat. No. 9,855,458 on Jan. 2, 2018, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/080,168, filed on Nov. 14, 2014, all of which prior applications are incorporated by reference herein and made part hereof.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to clamping devices. More particularly, the present invention relates to a device used to secure weights on exercise equipment.

2. Description of the Related Art

A clamping device is an apparatus that engages one or more objects for the purpose of securely retaining the object or objects. Design considerations for clamping devices include overall size, weight, number of component parts, means for joining component parts, quality of feedstock, likelihood of improper use, ability to prevent movement and separation when engaging multiple objects, propensity to become deformed or break through use, and means for engaging and releasing the device.

These design considerations will affect whether a clamping device is able to function reliable and in what circumstances. It is possible for more than one of the identified considerations to impact a single design feature. Typically, clamping devices take a limited number of the above design factors into consideration.

Thus, a clamping device capable of reliably engaging one or more objects securely may be too large or heavy for the intended use. Alternatively, such a clamping device may sacrifice ease of use for reliability. Providing for the use of additional tools can increase the ability of a clamping device to securely engage an object, while making the device more difficult to use. Ease of use can also influence whether a clamping device is regularly used or adopted by potential users.

Another potential tradeoff is a reduction in the quality of feedstock to reduce production cost. Clamping devices constructed at least in part from inexpensive or substandard material can degrade through both use and the passage of time.

It is also desired that the clamping device not damage an engaged object or objects. A clamping device that allows a user to determine the distance between the points of contact between the device and a target object can be over tightened, increasing the possibility of damage to the object. Also, if a contact surface of a clamping device is made of coarse materials it is more likely to damage a retained object. The likelihood that damage will occur with such a device is increased if it is used during high impact activities.

Clamping devices are commonly used during weight training to reduce conditions that restrict performance of an exercise or the ability to perform an exercise in a safe manner. Undesirable conditions include instability, imbalance, oscillation of movable parts, and separation of removable components from assemblies, equipment or apparatuses. These conditions pose a safety risk due to potential injuries.

To limit these undesirable conditions, a clamping device is favored that is able remain securely engaged throughout the entire movement required of an exercise. It is also desirable for the clamping device to remain securely engaged throughout all successive repetitions of the exercise.

A common training assembly used during weight training is a barbell with removable weights loaded on in it. A clamping device can be employed to prohibit separation of the removable weights of that assembly. Additionally, a clamping device that can securely engage the barbell is desirable to prevent movement of the weights while on the barbell.

Moreover, removable weights often incorporate a sleeve positioned around their inside surface that contacts the exterior surface of the barbell. Clamping devices used to retain the weights on the barbell can damage the sleeve if the surface area that contacts the weight is insignificant due to the thickness of the clamping device.

Clamping devices which attempt to address more than one of the identified problems are often difficult to manufacture. More difficult still to manufacture such clamping devices economically. Thus, a clamping device that solves more than one of the aforementioned problems is desired.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A clamping device is disclosed for securely engaging one or more objects through the application of pressure. The clamping device includes a primary member having opposed interior and exterior surfaces. The primary member has a generally cylindrical shape such that the interior surface defines a generally circular space about the center point of the primary member. The clamping device can receive an elongated member through the generally circular space circumscribed by the primary member.

The clamping device is adapted for clamping and releasing and incorporates a means for releasably engaging the elongated member. The means for releasably engaging the elongated member has opposed open and closed positions. The means for releasably engaging the elongated member is attached to the primary member such that when the means for releasably engaging the elongated member is in the closed position, the elongated member is securely engaged by the clamping devices through the application of pressure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an end view of an exemplary embodiment of the invention in the opened position;

FIG. 2 is perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the invention in the opened position;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the invention in the closed position;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of another exemplary embodiment of the invention in the open position;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the invention in the closed position;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of another exemplary embodiment of the invention in the opened position; and

FIG. 7 is an end view of another exemplary embodiment of the invention.

Similar reference characters denote corresponding features consistently throughout the attached drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

In various exemplary embodiments, the present invention relates to a clamping device 100. As shown in the exemplary embodiment in FIG. 3, the clamping device 100 securely retains one or more objects through the application of pressure. A perspective view of one embodiment of the clamping device is shown in FIG. 2. As illustrated in FIG. 2, the clamping device 100 is shown with a primary member 102 that is generally cylindrical. The primary member 102 is one continual piece throughout its length. The primary member 102 having an interior surface 107 and an opposed exterior surface 105. The interior and exterior surfaces 107, 105 follow a generally circular path about the center of the primary member 102.

In the particular embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the exterior surface 105 follows a generally parabolic path when the clamping device 100 is observed from an end view. The pattern displayed by the exterior surface 105 in this embodiment is optional. Other potential patterns include those that are substantially triangular or crescent when viewing the clamping device 100 from an end view. FIG. 7 shows the exterior surface 105 remaining generally circular around the circumference of the primary member 102. The opposed interior surface 107 moving closer and further away from the exterior surface 105 as the interior and exterior surfaces 107, 105 move in a generally circular direction about the center of the primary member 102.

FIG. 2 further shows the primary member 102 with two extremities 109, 111. The primary member being sufficiently rigid to bias the first extremity 109 away from the second extremity 111. The two extremities 109, 111 being sufficiently distant from each other 109, 111 to allow one or more objects to pass through the center of the primary member 102 (not shown). An elongated member being one such potential object. The clamping device 100 having a means for releasably engaging 104 such elongated member. In this particular embodiment, each of the two extremities 109, 111 is joined to the means for releasably engaging the elongated member 104. Further, in this embodiment, the means for releasably engaging the elongated member is a lever 104. The lever 104 is a preferred means for releasably engaging the elongated member, but not required.

FIG. 2 further shows the lever 104 in an open position 103. Lever 104 will cause the clamping device 100 to engage the elongated member by transitioning from the open position 103 to a closed position 115. In this embodiment, pins 106, 108 are vertically oriented parallel to the interior and exterior surfaces 107, 105. Each pin 106, 108 extends the height of one extremity 109, 111. The pins 106, 108 join the lever 104 to each extremity 109, 111 by extending vertically through counterposed arcuate holes 113, 114 formed through the lower end of the lever 104.

FIG. 2 further shows lever 104 pivots radially about the midpoint of the pins 106, 108 approximately ninety degrees to transition from the open position 103 to the closed position 115. FIG. 3 shows lever 104 causing the clamping device 100 to engage a barbell by being positioned in the closed position 115. In this embodiment, lever 104 decreases the circumference and diameter of the primary member 102 simultaneously when transitioning from the open position 103 to the closed position 115. FIG. 3 further shows clamping device 100 protecting a sleeve positioned around the inside surface of the weight that contacts the exterior surface of the barbell by radially extending from the center of the barbell higher than the interior surface of the weight.

FIGS. 4 and 5 show another exemplary embodiment of the clamping device 100 where the means for releasably engaging the elongated member 104 having an upper end 120 and a lower end 122 such that when said means for releasably engaging the elongated member 104 is in the closed position 115 the lower end thereof 122 extends below the interior surface 107 of said primary member 102 to contact the elongated member. FIG. 4 shows the means for releasably engaging the elongated member 104 in the open position 103. FIG. 6 shows another exemplary embodiment of the clamping device 100 where lower end 122 of means for releasably engaging the elongated member 104 depresses an engaging agent 124.

The clamping device 100 can be created using multiple types of feedstock, that is to say the main raw material used in the manufacture of a product. In one exemplary embodiment, the clamping device 100 is made from an aluminum alloy (not indicated). In a preferred embodiment, the aluminum alloy 6061 Billet, formerly referred to as Alloy 61S. Other preferred materials for construction of the clamping device 100 include plastics (not indicated) and steel (not indicated). It is also possible to use different materials to construct different component parts of the clamping device 100.

The preferred embodiment easily and quickly engages the exercise equipment. The preferred embodiment is also able to easily and quickly disengaged from the exercise equipment to allow for weights to be conveniently removed or added to the exercise equipment.

It should be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of the particular arrangement shown here since the invention is capable of other embodiments, some of which may be quite different from those of the disclosed embodiments. While the foregoing written description of the invention enables one of ordinary skill in the art to make and use what is presently considered by the inventor to be the best mode of the invention, a device may be practiced which incorporates other structural and/or functional details in addition to or other than the structural and/or functional details set forth herein. It should therefore be understood that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, but encompasses any and all embodiments within the scope and spirit of the invention as claimed. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A clamping device comprising: a primary member having a front surface, a rear surface opposite the front surface, a generally cylindrical body extending between the front and rear surfaces, a central passage defining an interior surface, wherein the primary member is configured to receive an elongated member through the central passage, wherein the generally cylindrical body has a thickness defined between the interior surface and an exterior surface, wherein an opening extends through the thickness and the generally cylindrical body comprises a plurality of alternating thin sections and thick sections having increased thickness with respect to the thin sections, and wherein the thick and thin sections form alternating raised portions and recessed portions on the exterior surface, wherein the alternating raised and recessed portions extend an entire circumferential distance of the exterior surface; and a lever having an end portion pivotably connected to the primary member proximate the opening at a pivot connection point and an elongated arm extending from the end portion, the end portion having a lower end defining an engagement surface, the lever being moveable by rotation between an open position and a closed position, wherein when in the closed position, the lower end of the lever extends through the opening and inwardly from the interior surface, such that the engagement surface is configured to engage the elongated member within the central passage to hold the clamping device in position with respect to the elongated member, and wherein movement of the lever from the closed position to the open position causes the lower end to move outwardly, such that when in the open position, the engagement surface is not configured to engage the elongated member to hold the clamping device in position with respect to the elongated member.
 2. The clamping device of claim 1, wherein the lever is connected to the primary member such that the pivot connection point is located at one of the raised portions, and the opening extends through the one of the raised portions.
 3. The clamping device of claim 1, wherein the opening has a boundary entirely defined by one or more sidewalls located between the front and rear surfaces of the primary member.
 4. The clamping device of claim 1, further comprising a secondary member that extends around a portion of the interior surface of the primary member.
 5. The clamping device of claim 4, wherein the secondary member extends around at least half of a circumferential distance of the interior surface.
 6. The clamping device of claim 1, wherein end portion is enlarged with respect to the elongated arm.
 7. The clamping device of claim 1, wherein the primary member is formed of a single, continual piece.
 8. The clamping device of claim 1, further comprising a means for locking the lever in the open position by over-rotation of the lever beyond the open position.
 9. A clamping device comprising: a primary member formed of a single, continual piece and having a front surface, a rear surface opposite the front surface, and a generally cylindrical body extending between the front and rear surfaces, with a central passage defining an interior surface, wherein the primary member is configured to receive an elongated member through the central passage, and wherein the generally cylindrical body has a thickness defined between the interior surface and an exterior surface, wherein an opening extends through the thickness; a lever having an end portion pivotably connected to the primary member proximate the opening at a pivot connection point and an elongated arm extending from the end portion, the end portion having a lower end defining an engagement surface, the lever being moveable by rotation between an open position and a closed position, wherein when in the closed position, the lower end of the lever extends through the opening and inwardly from the interior surface, such that the engagement surface is configured to engage the elongated member within the central passage to hold the clamping device in position with respect to the elongated member, and wherein movement of the lever from the closed position to the open position causes the lower end to move outwardly, such that when in the open position, the engagement surface is not configured to engage the elongated member to hold the clamping device in position with respect to the elongated member.
 10. The clamping device of claim 9, wherein the generally cylindrical body comprises a plurality of alternating thin sections and thick sections having increased thickness with respect to the thin sections, and wherein the thick and thin sections form alternating raised portions and recessed portions on the exterior surface, wherein the alternating raised and recessed portions extend an entire circumferential distance of the exterior surface.
 11. The clamping device of claim 10, wherein the lever is connected to the primary member such that the pivot connection point is located at one of the raised portions, and the opening extends through the one of the raised portions.
 12. The clamping device of claim 9, wherein the opening has a boundary entirely defined by one or more sidewalls located between the front and rear surfaces of the primary member.
 13. The clamping device of claim 9, further comprising a secondary member that extends around a portion of the interior surface of the primary member, wherein a portion of the secondary member is positioned on the interior surface opposite the opening.
 14. The clamping device of claim 13, wherein the secondary member extends around at least half of a circumferential distance of the interior surface.
 15. The clamping device of claim 9, further comprising a means for locking the lever in the open position by over-rotation of the lever beyond the open position.
 16. A clamping device comprising: a primary member having a front surface, a rear surface opposite the front surface, a generally cylindrical body extending between the front and rear surfaces, a central passage defining an interior surface, wherein the primary member is configured to receive an elongated member through the central passage, wherein the generally cylindrical body has a thickness defined between the interior surface and an exterior surface, wherein an opening extends through the thickness; a lever having an end portion pivotably connected to the primary member proximate the opening at a pivot connection point and an elongated arm extending from the end portion, the end portion having a lower end defining an engagement surface, the lever being moveable by rotation between an open position and a closed position, wherein when in the closed position, the lower end of the lever extends through the opening and inwardly from the interior surface, such that the engagement surface is configured to engage the elongated member within the central passage to hold the clamping device in position with respect to the elongated member, and wherein movement of the lever from the closed position to the open position causes the lower end to move outwardly, such that when in the open position, the engagement surface is not configured to engage the elongated member to hold the clamping device in position with respect to the elongated member; and a means for locking the lever in the open position by over-rotation of the lever beyond the open position.
 17. The clamping device of claim 16, wherein the lever is connected to the primary member such that the pivot connection point is located at one of the raised portions, and the opening extends through the one of the raised portions.
 18. The clamping device of claim 16, wherein the means for locking the lever in the open position comprises the end portion of the lever engaging an engaging structure on a sidewall of the opening.
 19. The clamping device of claim 16, wherein the means for locking the lever in the open position comprises the end portion of the lever contacting a tab extending from a sidewall of the opening.
 20. The clamping device of claim 16, wherein the generally cylindrical body comprises a plurality of alternating thin sections and thick sections having increased thickness with respect to the thin sections, and wherein the thick and thin sections form alternating raised portions and recessed portions on the exterior surface, wherein the alternating raised and recessed portions extend an entire circumferential distance of the exterior surface. 